It's a difficult time for everyone right now, but we found a few things that can make life just a little bit better.

Check out our must-have products, and let us know what is helping you each day. Plus, enter to win a $50 gift card to your favorite local business!

Entertainment

We love watching movies with friends on Netflix Party. It's a way to feel like we are in the same room together, even if we aren't. Download the extension for free (with your Netflix subscription), and Netflix will start a video at the same time for everyone in your group. You can use the Party's live group chat function, or you can use your phone to conference call if you like to talk while you watch.

For Kids

It's hard to keep younger kids busy for so many hours at home, but here's one product that has helped. It's a long-sleeved art smock with pockets that inspires kids to get creative. We've used it on so many different occasions, including painting, play-doh, cooking, and gardening. It cleans off easy, so there's no worry.

Staying Connected

So many of us are using Zoom to meet virtually with co-workers, friends or family. We've taken classes, held birthday parties, and are planning to celebrate the upcoming holidays with family. But it's not the only option available. Google hangouts is a simple and free(!) way to communicate with friends, family, or teachers. You can use it with video or without, and works on your computer, chromebook, phone or tablet (with the app). Our kids have a standing lunch hangout with their classmates so they can feel a bit of normalcy every day.

Relaxation Time

Spending more time in bed reading or watching TV? Are you sitting on the floor playing with the kids? Or do your teenage kids want to get more comfortable while they study? If so, we recommend this reading pillow. It provides great back support and it's super comfy.

Work at Home

So many of us are working from home these days, which means we are on more video chats and phone calls than ever before. We've found that good quality headphones are essential. Wireless is helpful and noise cancelling is an added bonus if you have kids or roommates. We are fans of Apple Airpods and Bose headphones but there are many other less-expensive options available too.

Home School

With everyone at home, it's hard to keep track of schedules, due dates, and virtual appointments. We've found it works best if everything is written out large in front of us. One option, especially for younger kids, is a simple white board that you update each day. For older kids, a dry erase board calendar is a good way to organize calls and write down the to-do items for each day. You can have one family calendar, or a different white board per student.

Cooking

We are excited about this new cookbook coming out on April 7 from the Food Network, called The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook. It's 150+ easy recipes for young cooks, plus bonus games and food trivia. Sounds like the perfect way to entertain the kids, get them more involved in mealtime, and maximize the basic ingredients we are able to buy.

Home Exercise Equipment

It's hard to get motivated to exercise when you are stuck at home. And larger exercise equipment can get expensive. Which is why we are having fun with these exercise dice. Just roll the dice and do what it says. No thinking involved! We love playing this with our family to see who can do each exercise quicker, and we've even played virtually with friends that we miss seeing at the gym.

Supporting local business

This one's not a must-have, but it is a must-do. If we want those small businesses we love to make it through this time, we need to help. These include restaurants, stores and small online businesses. What can we do? If you are willing, make sure to order food for special take-out meals, or books and clothes from shops that can deliver. Or order gift cards that you can use when stores reopen. If you are not financially able, at least make sure to give a shout-out to your favorites on social media to remind others to support them too. For more ideas, check out this post from MomGenerations.

What are your must-have products right now? Tell us for the chance to win a $50 gift card to your favorite local business!

#SheSpeaksAtHome Giveaway*One lucky contestant will be chosen at random to receive a $50 gift card to your favorite local business, provided that the gift card can easily be purchased online. Winner can opt to receive $50 via PayPal if a local business gift card can not be purchased online. Giveaway is open through April 19th, 2020 to U.S. residents at least 18 years of age. Entrants must be a member of SheSpeaks. If you are not a member, click here to join. Winner will be notified by email.

Update: Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to our winner, SheSpeaks member Eureka00.

We live rurally and I always have a hefty supply of food and personal care items. I wouldn't say there is any one "must have" on my list. We are very appreciative for the internet service we have. My son is home and currently finishing his first year of college online. Quality internet is a "must have."